7
Table 4. Comparison of Short-term vs. Long-term
Tympanostomy Tubes
Characteristic Short-term tube Long-term tube
Other common uses
(relative indications)
Repeat ear tube surgery
in children without
significant risk factors
or anatomic changes in
the eardrum that would
warrant a long-term tube
Cle palate, stenotic ear
canal, abnormal tympanic
membrane (atrophy,
atelectasis, retraction
pocket), premature
extrusion of multiple prior
short-term tubes
Advantages Reduced incidence
(vs. long-term tubes)
of perforation, chronic
otorrhea, granulation
tissue, myringosclerosis;
ease of insertion
Longer period of middle
ear ventilation, potential
to avoid repeat insertion
of short-term tubes
and exposure to general
anesthesia; ability to insert
silastic T-tube in stenotic
canal
Disadvantages Potential for early
extrusion and need for
repeat tube surgery
Increased incidence
(vs. short-term tube)
of perforation, chronic
otorrhea, granulation
tissue, myringosclerosis,
medialization (if short
sha with no outer flange);
more difficult to insert
* Typical duration listed, recognizing that duration may differ based on the specific tube used.
(cont'd)